2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive: EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxurious feel with premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride's design was praised for its impeccable styling, both inside and out, with a contemporary interior design marred only by some glossy hard plastic. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to maximize storage space, and the overall interior quality was commendable, though limited to black unless opting for the SX Limited trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's flagship SUV, replaced the Santa Fe XL and stood out with its elegant and striking exterior design. It featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, giving it a sophisticated profile. The Palisade's design was complemented by expressive LED headlights and taillights, and 20-inch alloy wheels were standard across all models in Canada. Inside, the Palisade boasted a horizontally arrayed 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials throughout. The second row offered either a bench or captain's chairs, with the third row spacious enough for adults on short rides. The Ultimate Calligraphy model was particularly stunning with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior. The Palisade's fit and finish were near-luxury, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and its 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance aided in navigating low-grip terrain. The Telluride excelled in challenging conditions, such as snow and mud, and its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, along with a self-leveling rear suspension on higher trims, ensured proper ride and handling. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade also featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It utilized gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing for improved power and efficiency. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.6 on the highway, and 11.1 combined. Despite not being a fuel economy leader, the Palisade offered a satisfying engine note and quick acceleration. Weighing between 1,991 to 2,004 kilograms, it handled well with its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. The Palisade could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver's seat offering 12-way power adjustments and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with the passenger seat offering 6-way power adjustment. The Telluride's second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated on Limited grades, and the third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with the second row down. The smart hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, and the interior offered ample storage for personal items.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered comfortable seating throughout, with the third row providing easy access and cupholders. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front row featured ample storage, including a locking glove box and door panel bottle holders. The Palisade's luggage space measured 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and 2,447 litres with both rows down. The Palisade featured a shift-by-wire gear selector, a dual-panel sunroof on the Ultimate Calligraphy, and standard heated and ventilated seats on higher trims. The Ultimate Calligraphy also included luxury features like Nappa leather upholstery and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice-recognition system had room for improvement. A 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard on SX trim, and the Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system on all but the base trim. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The Palisade featured multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad on Ultimate Calligraphy, and a rear-view monitor with parking guidance. The Ultimate Calligraphy also included a head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with blind-spot monitor integration.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite a 4-star frontal-impact result.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of passive and active safety features, including seven airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist. It also featured rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate Calligraphy added Highway Driving Assist. The Palisade received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA.